Explosion-motor.



No. 763,535. PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904. R. ALGRIN. EXPLOSION MOTOR.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 20. 1901.

7 SHEETS-431313 N0 MODEL.

THE ucmms PETERS no, momumcu WASHINGYON. n. c

PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904.

R. ALGRIN. EXPLOSION MOTOR. Armonrofi rum) BEPT. 20, 1001.

7 SEEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

m: Nam-us PEYERS co, anoroumo, WASHINGTON, D c.

PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904. R. ALGRIN. EXPLOSION MOTOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20. 1901.

7 SHBETSSHEET 3.

H0 MODEL.

III/l No. 763,535. PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904. R. ALGRIN.

EXPLOSION MOTOR.

APPLICATION FILED SBP'L'ZO. 1901. H0 MODEL. 7 SHEETS-$111331 4.

"*5 noRms PEYERS co wuvuurna, mswwawu, n. c.

PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904.

R. 'ALGRIN. EXPLOSION MOTOR.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 20. 1901.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

N0 MODEL.

E mums PEYERS o0, morouwo, mnurou. n. a.

PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904.

R. ALGRIN. EXPLOSION MOTOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20.1001.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6 N0 MODEL.

m: Noam pzrznspp PNOTO-LIWQ, WASHINGYON. ox.

PATENTED JUNE 28, 1904. R. ALGRIN. I

EXPLOSION MOTOR. APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1901.

'7 sums-slum '1.

N0 MODEL.

UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Patented June 28, 1904.

ENE ALGRIN, or PARIS, FRANCE.

EXPLOSION-MOTOR- SPEGIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 763,535, dated June 28, 1904. v Application filed September 20, 1901. Serial No. 75,815. (No model.)

To all whont itrncty concern.-

Be it known that I, RENE ALGRIN, civil engineer, of 7 Rue des Bauches, city'of Paris, Republic of France, have invented new and useful Improvements in and Connected with Explosion-Motors, which improvements are fully set forth in the following specification. This invention for improvements in explosion-motors relates tofour-stroke-cycle explosion-motors, the characterizing features of which are as follows: first, a separate compression-chamber into which the explosive mixture is introduced, consisting of a small cylinder parallel to the working cylinder and communicating with it, the volume of which compression-.chamber can be varied with the effect 'ofproducing corresponding variations in the power ofv the motor; second, a means that is to say, making the duration of the ex plosion-stroke vary proportionally to the variations in the volume of the compression-chamber.-this being effected by changing the instant at which the exhaust-valve is opened, having for its object to obviate the working piston having to work against the pressure of the atmosphere; fourth, a means whereby the period during which the admission is open is made directly proportional' to the volume of 1113 compression-chamber, thus rendering the compression constant; fifth,'an arrangement consisting in theapplication of the non-reversibility of an eccentric to effect these various objectsviz. ,these variations in the workingconditions of the motor without stopping it and at any moment during the different phases of the cycle either by hand, as required by the enginej tender, or by the action of an automatic governor.

anisms, forming the distinguishing features of the motor in question, is illustrated in Figures The general arrangement of these mech- 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings, in Which Fig. 1 is a vertical section, partly through one of the compression-cylinders and partly through the cam-shaft, of a motor with two Workingcylinders, each of which is provided with a compression-cylinder. Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the axis of one of the compression-cylinders and through the mechanism appertaining thereunto. Fig. 3 is a vertical section through'the axis of one of the working cylinders. Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the axis of one of the compression-cylinders, the piston of which is shown in a different position to that in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a plan of the general arrangement of the motor seen from above with partial horizontal section. Fig. 6 is a section through theaxis of one of the working cylinders and through the axis of one of the compression-cylinders, showing the passage of communication between them. Figs. 7 to 10 are diagrammatic views showing the position of the principal parts following the four phases of the cycle. Finally, Fig. 11 is an enlarged section of the arrangement of cams.

The drawings will aid the comprehension of the detailed description which herewith follows.

As will be seen from the annexed figures, working pistons 2 2 are arranged in the cylinders 1 1, hereinafter to be called the Working cylinders, to actuate, through the intermediary of the connecting-rods 3 3, the cranks 1 4 4, which are keyed and set at three hundred and sixty degrees to one another on thedriving-shaft 69. This adjustment of the cranks causes the phases of the cycle to occur in each ofithe cylinders in the following sequence:

, in the'first cylinder, 1, explosion, exhaust, suction, compression; in the second cylinder, 1,

isju'ction, compression, explosion, exhaust.

. Compression-cylinders 5 '5 are joined to the working cylinders 11" and communicate with them through passages 64 64, which open laterally into the bores of the cylinders at their 4 top ends.

The ignition mechanisms 68 68 are situated in the middle of passages 64 64.

The variation in volume of the compressioncylinders 5 5, and consequently the variation in the power of the motor, is dependent on the variation in the stroke of the pistons 6 6 in these said compression-cylinders 5 5.

The exhaust in each of the groups formed by a working cylinder and a compression-cylinder is effected by valves 18 18, actuated through the medium of levers 67 67 by rods 7 O. 7 O 7 O pressed down, and consequently to close the exhaust-valve. Cams 22 22, mounted on the shaft 21, raise the rods 7 O 70 when their projections come up against a roller 71, provided at the bottom ends of the rods, open the valves, and maintain each in an open position as long as the corresponding roller rests on the projection of the cam. The admission in each of the groups is effected through valves formed in two parts 19 and 20 19 and 20, actuated against the springs 56 and 57 56 and 57 by the wedge-heads 54 54 of the rod 32, Fig. 1, which rod is caused to move transversely by means of the L-levers 31 31 and the rods 72 72. The course of the gas may be easily followed from what has already been said and is rendered still clearer by the arrows shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

What there remains to be explained now is the mechanism by means of which the pistons 6 6 of the compression-cylinders are moved and adjusted to different positions for given variations in the power of the motor. This mechanism (illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 in section) is arranged in a casing situated at the lower end of the compression-chambers 5 5. It has for its object to suitably transmit the driving-shaft motion to the compression-pistons 6 6, placed in the compression-cylinders 5 5. This transmission of motion by the hereinafter-described mechanism is effected as follows: Hollow connecting rods 14 14 are connected to crank-arms 17 17 on the driving-shaft, with which they continuously rotate. In these hollow connecting-rods slide rods 15 15, jointed to levers 66 66, which are in one piece with the slide-guides 11 11'. These slide-guides are mounted to oscillate round fixed centers 12 13 (for 11) or 12 13 (for 11,) (see Fig. 1,) these centers projecting at 0 into the mechanism casing, Figs. 2 and 4. In these slides 11 11 slipper-blocks 9 9 1O 10 are mounted to reciprocate, and as they move they actuate the head of the conascent and descent of the pistons 6 6.

necting-rods 49 49', belonging to the pistons 6 6, and the jaw end of the eccentric rods 8 8, common shafts 7 7 connecting the slipperblocksand passing through the connectingrod heads and the eccentric-rod jaws. The oscillation of these slide-guides, which is transmitted to the connecting-rods 49 49 through the medium of the slipper-blocks, effects the The amplitude of these oscillations remains constant; but the position of the guides corresponding to the top dead-center position of Springs 53 53 tend to keep the rods.

the pistons 6 6 is always perpendicular to the axis ofthe compression-cylinderthat is to say, in reference to the figure horizontal. It is clearly seen that the connecting-rods 49 49, which are actuated by the slide between two extreme positions, will never go beyond their lower and upper dead-centers, but will reach them just in the same way as if they had been actuated by a crank making a complete revolutionround its driving-shaft.

I have just shown how, through the intermediary of the hollow connecting-rods 14 14 and rods 15 15', the levers 66 66, and of the slides 11 11, the motion of the driving-shaft 69 is transmitted to the connecting-rods 49 49 of the compression-pistons 6 6.

I am now about to describe how I maintain the compression-cylinder pistons stationary during the explosion and compression periods when they must be held fixed, as will be explained when I pass on to the description of the general working of the motor.

I will take cylinder 5 as a basis for my de scription, exactly the same operations occurring in cylinders 5, with a difference in the period equal to one revolution of the drivingshaft. I have already said, and refer again to Figs. 2 and 4, that arod 15, actuating the lever which forms an integral part of the slide 11, is arranged to slide in the hollow connectingrod 14. This rod 15 is fixed in the connectingrod 14 during the exhaust and suction periods and follows the motion imparted to it by driving-shaft; but during the explosion and compression periods it is released from the connecting-rod and becomes immovable, while the piston 6 is held stationary. The locking of the rod 15 is effected as follows: I will assume the connecting-rod 14 to be leaving its top dead-center r at the end of an explosion period and commencement of an exhaust period. At this instant the connecting-rod 14 and its rod 15 must become locked together. To effect this, a bent lever 16 65, mounted on the connecting-rod, is held pressed up continuously by means of a spring 62 against a claw 63, provided at the end of the rod 15. Theconnecting-rod 14, continuing its motion in the direction indicated by the arrow, actuates the lever of the slide 11 for a whole strokethat is to say, until it reaches its lower dead-center at qmaking the slide 11 pivot round the center 0 and causing it to move out of its position of extreme obliquity into a horizontal position corresponding to the upper dead-center of the piston 6 6. At this moment the exhaust is finished and suction commences in the Working cylinder 1 1 and in the compressioncylinder. During the suction-stroke from q to 7' the connecting-rod 14 swings the slideguide, moving it out of its horizontal position into its position of extreme obliquity, thus causing the connecting-rod 49 to be drawn. down and creating suction in thecompression-cylinder. At the end of the explosion period a cam 26, keyed on to theshaft 21,

against a roller 50, mounted. in a thrust-pin' 74, which latter when actuated by the cam-is forced against the end 27 of a bent lever 29, pivoted on a fixed center 75, and which a re.-

coil-spring 51, attached to the. side of thecasing, tends to bring back to the position shown in Fig. 2. The nose 58 of a bolt 76, mounted in a sleeve 28, which forms an. integral part of the lever 29, is held continually projected from its sleeve 28 by means of-a spring 59 inclosed in-this latter. The action of the thrustpin has for its object to throw back the combination 28 7 6 in order to allow the lever 66 to redescend and follow the motionof the connecting-rod 1,4. and pass in front' of the nose 58. The lever 66 mustbe locked, as I shall hereinafter explain, on the one hand,

against a fixed stop52 and, on the other hand,

against the nose58 during the preceding 6X? plosion period.- During the whole of the exhaust and suction period the cam 26 passes under the/roller 50and maintains the combi-. nation 27 76 in its thrown-backposition, thus allowing the tail of the lever 66 to pass at the end of the suction period, when it is pushed by the connecting-rod 14. to rest against-a stop 52. As the upper part of the claw of the lever 66 comes in front of the nose; 58the cam 26 releases the roller 5.0, the lever- 29 is returned to the position shown in .Fig. 2' by means of. the spring 51, the sleeve 28, integral withthe lever 29, during this motion sliding on the bolt 76 and. compressing the spring 59. The claw of the lever. 66 continues. to pass in front of the nose 58 until it" comesup against the stop 52 and the suction period has terminated; but at this very instant the nose 58, being. freed and forced. out by the spring 59, engages under the end of the. lever 66, which it looks rigidly, as wellas the slide 11, of which the said lever forms a prolongation. Consequently the piston .6-.is rendered immovable. This seesaw motion of the lever 29 takes place,.-as I have already remarked, during a brief moment before the dead-center is reached; but at the same time the end of the lever 16 butts against the end ofthe lever 29 and is caused to oscillate in sucha way that its other end releases the claw 63. of, the rod 15. At this instant and in consequence of this release the rod 15,ceases.to be looked as one with the connecting-rod 14, the liberation of the rod 15 being effected slightly before the top dead-center is reached by the connectingrod 14 at the moment at which the compression period is about to commence. During this compression period the connecting-rod 14, which continues to be actuated by the drivingshaft, proceeds to finish a stroke from r to q; but the rod 15, coupled to the slide 11 and being locked and held in position by the nose 58 der.

engaging under'the lever 66, will remain immovable, the hollow connecting-rod 14sliding on it. Gonsequentl y, as has already been mentioned, the immovability of the piston 6 is as sured during the compression period. During the following stroke of the connecting-rod 14, this stroke corresponding to .the explosion period, the connecting-rod 14, which still remains independent of the rod 15, slides on this rod; but shortly before it-reaches its top dead:

center at r the cam 26 again comes up against the roller 50, thus effecting the withdrawal of the nose 58 of the bolt 76 from beneath, the lever 66, causing the lever 27 29 to pivot against the action of the recoil-spring 51. The tail29 of this lever is then moved to the position shown in Fig. 4, thus preventing its coming again into contact with the nose 65 of the lever516, which latter then falls onto the claw63 of the rod 15, thus looking it. to the hollow connecting-rod 14. This motion synchronizes with the end of the explosion period. The same movements corresponding'to the same phases of the cycle are then repeated indefinitely.

I have successively demonstrated, first, how the motion is transmitted from the drivingshaft to the connecting-rods belonging to the pistons 6 6; secondly. how the compressioncylinder pistons are locked in position during the explosion and compression periods.

I amnow going to show how and by what means I vary the cylindrical volume in the compression-cylinders, the said variation having for its object to effect corresponding vari ation in the power of the motor. 7

I know that the shafts 7 7 which pass through the heads of the connecting-rods 49 49 and connect the slipper-blocks 9 9 10 10, also pass through the jaws of eccentric-rods 8 8, whosesheaves are keyed on a shaft 47. (Shown in plan .in Fig. 5.) It will be seen immediately that any motion of the shaft 47- is imparted to the eccentric, and this. in turn will transmit the motion-to the slipper-blocks and the connecting-rod head in the slides 11* 11. A variation in the position of the lower dead-center of thepistons 6 6 is a necessary consequence entailing a corresponding variation in the volume of the compression-cylin- When by actuating the shaft 47 by means of a lever 77, working in a notched quadrant, the shaft 7, and with it the heads of the connecting-rods49 49, are brought into the position at 0, the volumeof the compressioncylinders 5 5 is reduced to a minimum, (theoretically to zero.) .VVhen, on the otherhand, the shaft 7 is moved to p, the stroke of the pistons 6 6 attains its maximum, and consequently the volume of the compression-cylim ders at the end of the suction period is at, its greatest. V i

It is as well to remark here that as. the amplitude of oscillation of the slide-guides is constant and as the said guides'always bring the head of the connecting-rod 49 back again till it lies on the same perpendicular to the cylinder-axis, and when this connecting-rod has reached its top dead-center no sensible alteration in the position of this top dead-center is effected when the head of the connecting-rod 49 is moved from 0 to p. I might even say that the variation of position of the upper dead-center is practically equal to nothing if the length of the connecting-rod 49, on the one hand, be taken into consideration and, on the other hand, the comparatively short length of the slideguide, whereas there is an important variation, as I have just shown, in the position of the lower dead-center.

I have just reviewed the arrangement and details of the working cylinders, the compression-cylinders, and the admission and exhaust valves. I have described the mechanism for transmitting motion from the driving-shaft to the pistons of the compression cylinders and how these said pistons are intermittently locked and held in position.

I am now about to pass on to a detailed de scription of the elements which control'the opening and closing of the admission and exhaust valves at their appointed times. These elements consist of cams mounted symmetrically for each cylinder group on ashaft 21, parallel to the driving-shaft, and'which I will hereinafter designate as the cam-shaft. These cams being symmetrical in relation to the axis of the two cylinder groups, I will only refer to those belonging to the cylinder groups 1 and 5. v

Motion is transmitted from the. drivingshaft 69 to the cam-shaft in the following manner: A pinion 60, keyed onto the drivingshaft 69, gears with a wheel 61, keyed onto the cam-shaft. The diameter of the wheel 61 being twice as big as that of the pinion 60, the cam-shaft rotates at half the speed of the driving-shaft, and the absence of intermediate gear-wheels causes these two shaftsto revolve in opposite directions. There are four of these cams, two for the exhaust, two for admission, and a fifth cam, 26, keyed directly on the shaft of which I have already spoken, and which controls, as I have seen, the thrust-pin with cam-roller 50, which in its turn plays a part in the action of the compression connecting-rods and pistons. The cams actuating the exhaust-valves are referred to with the reference-numerals 22 and 23. The cam 23 forms an adjustable cam. The cams controlling the suction-valves are 24 and 25, the cam 24 being one to which lead may be given.

When the power ofthe motor has been altered, the function of the cams 23 and 24 is, first,'in the control of the exhaust to lengthen the profile of the cam in the same direction as the shaft 21 rotates in such a manner that the exhaust commences before the finish of the explosion-stroke, this advance of the exhaust taking place in inverse ratio to the volume of the compression-chamber for the purpose of obviating, as we have already said at the beginning of the specification, any negative work of the -working piston; secondly, in the control of the suction to hasten the moment at which the roller 30, (which controls the admission-valve,) is raised, when consequently the rod 32, actuated by the lever 31, will cause, before the end of the suctionstroke, the valves 19' and 20 to fall onto their seat, (the valves 19 and 20 being controlled in respect to their fall by the roller 30.) For a full charge the profile of the cam 23 coincides with that of cam 22. It only enters into action when the power of the motor is to be varied. I am now going to explain these different cams in detail and show how the adjustable cams fulfil the double function above mentioned. The cam 23 is formed in one piece with the cam 24. These two cams (adjustable cams) to which lead may be given are mounted with slight friction on the cam 25 and the cam 22. They can be actuated to rotate relatively round the earns 25 and 22; but a segment 33 prevents any lateral motion on the cams in the direction of the axis of the shaft 21. On the other hand, the cam .22 (which is in one piece with the cam 26) is held on the shaft 21 by means of the pin 34. As the cams 23 and 24 cannot move laterally on the cam 22, the consequence is that on account of the pinning of this cam 22 the said cams 23 and 24 have no lateral motion in relation to the shaft 21 itself. The sleeve common to the two cams 23 24 is internally threaded and forms a nut screwing onto the screw-sleeve 35. This screwsleeve 35 is coupled to rotate with the shaft 21, but can be moved laterally to and parallel to the axis of the same, being only connected to it by means of a feather-key 36, working with slight friction. The cam 25 is mounted on and keyed with slight friction to the screw sleeve 35. This key causes the rotary motion of the shaft 21 to be imparted to the screwsleeve 35; but it cannot move laterally, as it butts up on'the one side against the cam 23 24 and on the other side against the cheek of the bush 40. The screw-sleeve 35 is provided with a neck into which projects a flange 37 secured to the nut 38, which is prevented from rotating by means of a feather 39, sliding in a keyway in the fixed bush 40, but which permits it to move laterally in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft 21. Finally, a screw-sleeve 41, which being loose can turn on the shaft 21, is provided inside the nut 38. This screw-sleeve carries a lever 42, which is in rigid connection, through the medium of a shaft 43, with a symmetrical corresponding lever 42, belonging to the other group of cams. It will be immediately seen that an angular motion of this lever 42 will cause the following movements: the rotation of the screw-sleeve 41, lateral displacement of the nut 38, mounted on this screw-sleeve, the lateral displacement of the screw sleeve 35 through the medium of the flanged part 37, rotary motion of the nut 24, mounted on this screw-sleeve, and consequent unkeying of the cams 24 23 on this said nut. It is quite clear that these two results I have just mentioned are effected by this angular motion of the lever 42that is to say, that any movement of this lever causes the cams 23 24 to be simultaneously-unkeyed in such amannerthat, first, the doubling exhaust-cam 23 is unkeyed and tends to lengthen the profile of the exhaustcam 22; secondly, the adjustable admissioncam 24 (which, as I have already said, has its own particular profile) is also simultaneously unkeyed, thus altering the course of its profile under the roller 30.

I have still to explain how the unkeying of the cams controlling the time of opening and closing of the admission and exhaust valves is made to synchronize with the variations in the stroke of the compression-cylinder pistons, which I have already described. The relationship between these motions is attained by causing the movements of the levers 42 42,which control the cams, to be controlled by the same shaft 47, which shaft, as 'I have alreadyseen, controls the variations in-the length of the strokeof the compression-pistons. The connection is effected as follows: On the shaft 43, which connects the two levers 42 42, is coupled asystem of links 44 45, which pivots round a fixed "center 73. A spring 48, secured'to a point on the mechanism casing and to the end common to the lever 42 and arm 44, tends to constantly press the roller 78, mounted on the arm 45 against the periphery of a cam 46, keyed onto the shaft 47'. From this it'is apparent that any angular motion imparted to this shaft 47 involving an alteration in the volume of the compression-chambers also entails, through the medium of the cam 46 and the system 45 44 and 42 42", a corresponding angular displacementof the cams 23 24 23 24. It is absolutely necessary to insure that the motor shall work well that for equal variations in the volume of the compression-chambers corresponding equal angular variations of the cams on the shaft 21 are effected. This result is easily attained by making the cam 46 with a suitable profile.

Having now described in detail and separatelythe various elements of the motor, I am now-going to explain its action during the four phases of the cycle, referring to the dia' gramniatic Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10.

. I will assume to show how all the parts act that the motor is running at half-power. Let us see how I effect the reduction from full to half power. To attain this reduced power, I actuate the lever 77, moving it in the direction of the arrow A (see Fig. 4) to the middle of its travel. This movement of the lever 77 and the consequent motion of the shaft 47 has of the eccentric 8 8 and causes them to leave the position 19 and move to the center of the travel p 0. (This is the exact position of the slipper-blocks, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.) This, as I have said, reduces the volume of the compression-chamber by one-half at the same time as the pistons 6 6 reach their lower dead-center positionsthat is to say, the vol' ume of the cylinder is reduced by one-half. Se'c'ondly,--it'causes through the intermediary of the cam 46 and link system 45 44 43 the unkeying of the cams 23 and 24 inthe direction of rotation of the shaft 21. The profile of the cam 46 being calculated,as has-al' ready been said, in such a manner that for equalvariations in the volume of the cylin1 ders corresponding equal angular variations are effected in the cams, and the cams 23 24 will be advanced on the shaft 21 for half the distance of their total travel. This has the,

following results: On the one hand, the profile of the exhaust-cam 22 22 is lengthened by a half through the medium of the cam 23 23, and consequently the exhaust-valve will remain open for a period one and a half times as protracted as its preceding open period. At the same time, however, as it is the-cam. 23 which is advanced, the cam 22 remaining fixed, the end of the exhaust always takes place at the same moment as before the reduction of the chargethat is to say, when the working pistons and compression-pistons reach their upper dead-centers. hand, the suction-cam 24 24 is advanced a distance equal to the half of its total travel. It has thereby hastened the closing of the sue tion-valves 19 20 (19' 20) and reduces the duration of the suction period by one-half. Having effected this reduction of power, as explained, let us examine the action of the motor.

; First period, Fig. 7: Group 1 5 is exhausting and group 1 5 is compressing. In the working cylinder 1 of group 1 5 exhaust has begun at the middle'ofthe explosion-stroke in consequence of the advance of the cam 23, which has just raised the roller 71 and the rod 70. As long as the piston 2 of the cylinder 1 has not yet reached its lower dead-center, and consequently the connecting-rod 14 has not reached its upper dead-center 0', the compressionpiston remains immovable, the lever of the slide-guide 11 being held fixed against the stop 52. When the piston 2 of the cylinder 1 has reached its lower deadcenter, the latching of the hollow connectingrod 14 and of the rod 15 is effected, as well as the liberation of the lever 66 of the slide-guide '11. The movement of rotation continuing, the compression-piston reascends at the same time as the working piston 2, and the expulsion of the burned gases is effected. During this period the exhaust-cams 23 and 22 have On the other A these valve-spindles, as shown in Fig. 7 In the group 1 5 the piston is continuing to descend; but the suction has been cut off at half-stroke by the cam 24 of group'l 5, which engaging under the roller 30 has caused the rod 32 to move to the left, thus withdrawing its nose 5 1 from between the ends of the valves 20 and 19, (without, in spite of this,

as I have already said, opening the valves.

19 and 20,) and thereby permitting these said valves to shut. As long as the piston 2 has not reached its lower dead-center, and consequently the connecting-rod 14: has not reached its upper dead-center at 1*, the compressionpiston continues to descend simultaneously with the working piston 2. When the piston 2 reaches its lower dead-center, the con necting-rod 14L simultaneously reaches its upper dead-center. The unlatohing of this hollow connecting-rod with the rod 15 is effected, and the lever 66 of the slide-guide 11 is locked against the stop 52. The compression-piston 6 is then locked,and the working piston 2 continuing to rise the compression commences. During the whole of this period the exhaustcams 23 and 22 remain out of action. As regards the admission-cams, those of group 1 and 5 have continued to leave the admissionvalves 19 20 shut. When the working piston 2 has reached its upper dead-center, (at the sametime as the working piston 2,) the compression is finished and all the elements of the group 1 5 occupy the positions as shown in Fig. 8.

Second period, Fig. 8: The group 1 5 proceeds to the suction period and the group 1 5 to the explosion period. In the working cylinder 1 of group 1 5 suction begins, the piston 2 leaves its upper dead-center position and the piston 6 as well. The pistons 2 and 6 descend simultaneously. The exhaust-cams .23 22, which have released the roller 71 and allowed it to fall back, continuetheir rotary motion without any further action. As regards the admission-cams, those of the group 1 5 have passed the roller 30, thus allowing the rod 32 to be moved a considerable distance to the left, this motion being produced by the cam of the group 1 5, which engaging underneath the roller forces the nose 5 1 between the ends of the valves 19 and 20, thus completely opening them. At halfstroke of the piston '2 the cams 2 1 and 25 release the roller 30, allowing the cam 24 of the group 1 5 by engaging under the roller 30 to withdraw the nose 54 and permit the suction-valves to close. When the pistons 2 and 6 have reached their lower dead-centers; all the elements of group 1 5 occupy the positions as shown in Fig. 9. In the group 1 5 explosion is eifected, piston 2 sinks. As long as this piston has not reached its lower dead-center the compression-piston 6 remains immovable; but at half-stroke of the piston 2 the exhaust-valve 18 opens under the action of the cam 23. As regards the admission-cams, neither those of the group 1 5 nor those of the group 1 5 actuate the valves 19 and 20, which remain closed. When the working piston 2" reaches its lower dead-center, the hollow connecting-rod 14: also reaches its upper dead-center position, latched to the rod 15 at the same moment, while simultaneously the lever 66 of the slide-guide 11 is liberated and the compression-piston 6 is about to ascend at the same moment as the working piston 2 to expel the gases. In this lower deadcenter position all the elements are in the po sitions as shown in Fig. 9.

Third period, Fig. 9: In group 1 5 compression is commencing and in group 1 5 expulsion. The pistons of both groups excepting the piston 6, which remains fixed, are reascending.

Fourth period: Explosion takes place in group 1 5 and suction in the group 1 5. The piston of the working cylinder belonging to the group 1 5 is descending. As long as this piston has not reached its lower dead-center the compression-piston 6 remains at rest; but at half-stroke the exhaust-valve 18 opens under the action of the cam 23. As regards the admission-cams, neither these of group 1 5 nor those of group 1 5 actuate the valves 19 and 20, which consequently remain shut. When the working piston 2 reaches its lower dead-ecnter, the hollow connecting-rod 14, which attains its upper dead-center, latches with the rod 15, and the lever 66 of the slide-guide being simultaneously freed the compression-piston 6 can reascend for the exhaust. In the working cylinder 1 of the group 1' 5 suction commences. The working piston 2 leaves its upper deadcenter and the compression-piston also. The two pistons descend simultaneously. The exhaust-cams 23 22, which have released and allowed the roller 71 to fall, continue their motion without further action. As regards the admission-cams, those of the group 1 5 have passed the roller 30, which falls, thus allowing the rod 32 to move to the right, this movement being eflected by the cam 25 of the group 1' 5, which, engaging under the roller 30, causes it to rise. The rod 32, pushed toward the right, projects the nose 54 between the ends of the valve 19 and 20, thusv completely opening them. At half-stroke of the working piston 2 the cams 24 and 25 release the roller 30, allowing the cam 24 of the group 1 5 to engage under the roller 30 to withdraw the nose 5 1 and to thus close suction-valves. When the pistons 2 and 2 are at half-stroke, we return to that phase of the cycle illustrated in Fig. 7 V.

The action. of the parts when running at full power will be understood after what hasbeen already said, as it is just the same as when it running at reduced power excepting as regards the adjustable exhaust-cam 23 and detachable admission-cam 24. In these two cases the compression-cylinder pistons and the working pistons arrive simultaneously at their top and bottom dead-centers except for the compression and explosion periods, during which one or otherof thecompression-cylinder pistons remains fixedat its lower dead.- center position. Inthese two casesalso the arrival of the compression-cylinder pistons at their lower dead-centerscoincideswith the arrival of the hollow connecting-rods 1414 and their sliding rods 15 at their upper dead-centers, and vice versa.-

The advantages of a motor as described above are easily conceived. Ithas all the elasticity of a steam-motor, although any speed mechanism is dispensed with, and finally, thanks to the complete expulsion of the consurned gases, iteifectsa saving of more than twenty-five per cent. r

Having now fully described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to beperformed, I declare that what I claim is 1. In afour-stroke-cycle explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston,a com pressioncylinder communicating with the working cylinder, a piston inthe compression-cylinder and a piston-rod therefor, a crank pin or arm to which the piston-rod is connected, means for oscillating said crank-arm on its axis to move. the piston-rod and its piston, and adjustingmeans for moving said crank armor pin to- Ward or from its axis ofoscillation thereby.

varying the amplitude of the stroke of the compressi on-ch amber; piston.

2. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion-motor, a working cyl nder and its piston, acompressioncylinder communicating with the working cylinder, a piston in the compression-chamber,-

means for imparting suction and exhaust. strokes to said p ston, and means automat1c-.

allylocking said piston against movement during the compression and explosionstrokes of the piston in the working cylinder. v v

3. In a four-stroke-cycleexplosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston,a'compressionr cylinder communicating with the ,working cylinder, a piston in the compression-chamber, means for imparting suction and exhaust strokes to said piston, means for varying the amplitude of said suction and exhaust strokes, and means automatically locking said piston against movement during the compression and explosion strokes of the piston in the working cylinder. 4:. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion-motor, a

working cylinder and its piston, a compression- 6 5 cylinder communicating with the working cyl-' inder,a piston in the compression-cylinder and a piston-rod therefor, a crank pin or arm to which the piston-rodv is c0nnected,-means for oscillating said crank-arm to impart suction and exhaust strokesto said piston, and means automatically locking said --crank-pin against movement during the compression and explosion strokes of the piston in the working cylinder. T a

' 5. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a compressioncylinder communicating with the working cylinder, a piston in the com pression-cylinder and a piston-rod therefor, a crank arm or pin to which the piston-rod is connected, means for oscillating said crank-arm to impart suction and exhaust strokes to said piston, means *for moving said crank arm or pin toward or from its axis of oscillation thereby varying the'amplitude of stroke of the compression-chamber piston, and means automatically locking said crank-pin against movement during the compression and explosion strokes of the piston in the working cylinder.

6. In a fourstroke-cycle explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston,a compressioncyl-inder communicating with the working cylinder, a-piston in the compression-cylinder and a piston-rod therefor, a crank-pin to which the piston-rod is connected, an oscillatory crankarm on which the crank-pin is movable, means under control of an operator for moving said pin on said arm toward or from the axis of oscillation thereby varying the amplitude of the stroke" of the compression-diam ber piston, an. extension on the crank-arm, a stop with Which said extension contacts to limit" the movement of the crank-arm in one direction,

an automatically-operating locking device locking the extension against-said stop during the compressionand explosion strokes of the piston in theworking cylinder, and means automatically disengaging said locking device and oscillating the crank-arm to impart exhaust and suction strokes'to the compressioncylinder piston.

7. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston,a compressioncylinder, a piston in the compression-cylinder the piston-rod is connected, a driving-shaft, and a connecting-rod for oscillating the crankpin from the driving-shaft'comprising two parts movable one upon the other one part being connected to the driving-shaft and the other the-crank-pin, an automatically-operating locking device for locking the parts of said connecting-rod together against relative movement whereby it is caused to impart movement to the crank-pin, automatically-operating releasing means throwing said locking device out of operative position and permit- IOO I I 5 and a piston-rod therefor, a crank-pin to which ting relative movement of the parts of the rod so that no movement is imparted to the crankpin.

8. In an explosion-motor, a working cylin-.

der and its piston, a compression-chamber in communication with the working cylinder, an

exhaust-port for said cylinder and chamber, a

Valve controlling theopening of saidport, ac tuating means for opening said valve, and

ing the size of the compression-chamber, valve-,

operating means for opening the inlet valve and for controlling the closing thereof, and means for advancing the action of said valve-V operating, means in closingthe valve accord ing todimi nution in the size of the compression-chamber and for retardingsaid action in closing the valve according to increase in the size of the chamber. l

10. In an explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a compression chamber in communicationwith the working cylinder,an exhaust-port and an inlet-port for said cylin. der and chamber, valves controlling the op,en-

ing of said ports, actuating meansfor open ing the exhaust-valve, valve-operating means for opening the inlet-valve and for control-. ling the closing thereof, means for increasing or decreasing the size of the compressionchamber, means for advancing or retarding.

the'operation of the exhaust-valve-operating means according to increase or decrease 1n the size of the compression-chamber and means, for advancing the action of said mIet-valveoperating means in closing the valve according to decrease in theisize of the compressionchamber and for retarding said action in closing the valve according to increase in the size of said chamber.

11. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion-engine, a working cylinder and its piston, a compression-cylinder in communicationwith the working cylinder and a piston therefor, driving means for imparting exhaust. and suction strokes to the compression-chamber piston, automatically-operating locking means for locking said piston against movement during the explosion and compression strokes of the working-cylinder piston, an exhaust-port and an inlet-port for the cylinders, valves controlling the opening of ,said ports, actuating means for opening the exhaust-valve, valveoperating means for opening the inlet-valve and for controlling the closing thereof, and means under control of an ope'ratorand acting in conjunction with the compression-cylinder piston, the exhaust Valve actuating means and the inlet-valve-operating means-for simultaneously increasing the amplitude of stroke of said piston and advancing the operation of the exhaust-valve-operating means and the action of the inlet-valve-operating means in closing the inlet-valve, or for simultaneously decreasing the amplitude of the stroke of said piston and retarding the operation of the exhaust-valve-operating means and the action of the inlet-valve-operating means in closing. the inlet-valve.

. V 12. In an explosion-motor,-xai-working cylinder and its piston, a compressionm'ylinder and its piston,a crank to which'the compression-cylinder piston is connected, a drivingshaft, a connecting-rod consisting of two parts slidable upon each other, one connected to the driving-shaft and the other to the crank, means for locking the parts. together to impart movement to the compression-piston-during the exhaust and admission strokes and for automatically releasing said locking means to permit relative movement of theparts' of the piston-rod, whereby the compression-piston may remain fixed during the compression and ing-shaft, a connecting-rod consisting of twoparts slidable upon: each other, one connected to the driving-shaftand the other to the crank,

a,hook on one part adaptedto engage the other part to lock the two together to impart compression and exhaust strokes to the compression-cylinder piston, and means for auto matically throwing said hook out of engagement and prevent the transmission of movefor locking the crank against movement, and

means for rocking the arm to withdraw said bolt from its locking position and to move the other end of the arm into position to release the hook which locks the two parts of the connecting-rod together. 15. In an explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a crank to which the compression-cylinder piston is connected, a driving-shaft, a connecting-rod consisting of two parts slidable upon each other, one connected to the driving-shaft and the other to the crank, a hook on one part adapted to engage the other part to lock the two together to impart compression and exhaust strokes to the compression-cylinder piston, a spring-actuated rocking arm or lever, a bolt at one end thereof for locking the crank against movement, a cam-shaft driven from the motor-shaft at a slower speed, and a cam on said cam-shaft for rocking the arm to Withdraw said bolt from its locking position and to move the other end of the arm into position to release the hook which looks the two parts of the connectingrod together.

16. In an explosion-motor, a working cyl inder and its piston, a compression-chamber in communication with the working cylinder, means for varying the capacity of the compression-chamber, an inlet-valve, an exhaustvalve, adjustable cams for opening said valves, and means for adjusting said cams to lengthen or shorten the duration of opening of the valves in correspondence with variations in the capacity of the combustion-chamber. I

17. In an explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a compression-chamber in communication with the working cylinder, means for varying the capacity of the compression-chamber, an inlet-valve, an exhaustvalve, a cam for opening each valve comprising two members, and means for adjusting one member of each cam to lengthen or shorten the duration of opening of the valve in correspondence with variations in the capacity of the combustion-chamber.

18. In an explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a compression-cylinder and its piston, an inlet-valve, an exhaust-valve, a two-membered cam for opening each valve, and means under control of the operator for varying the amplitude of the stroke of the compression-cylinderpiston and for simultaneously adjusting one member of each cam to lengthen or shorten the duration of opening of the valves in correspondence with variations in the amplitude of the piston-stroke, whereby the volume of explosive charge admitted may be directly proportioned to the capacity of the compression-chamber.

19. In an explosion-motor, a working cylinder and its piston, a compression-cylinder and its piston, an inlet-valve, an exhaust-valve,

a two-membered cam for opening each valve, a cam-shaft with which the cams rotate, an adjustable crank for operating the compression-cylinder piston, and an operating-lever accessible to the operator for adjusting the crank to vary the amplitude of stroke of the compression-cylinder piston and the capacity of said cylinder and for simultaneously adjusting one member of each cam'about its shaft to lengthen or shorten the duration of opening of the valves in direct proportion to changes in the capacity of said compressionchamber.

20. In a four-stroke-cycle explosion-motor, two working cylinders and pistons therefor, an inlet-valve for each cylinder, and valveoperating means comprising cams and connections arranged to open one valve while the other is closed and vice versa, whereby when admission takes place in one working cylinder explosion takes place in the other.

21. In a four-stroke-cycle motor, two working cylinders and pistons therefor, an inletvalve for each cylinder, and valve-operating means comprising a reciprocatory rod movable in one direction to open one valve and permit closure of the other, and vice versa, and cams for actuating said rod, whereby when admission takes place in one cylinder explosion takes place in the other.

22. In'an explosion-motor,valves and means for operating the same comprising two cams on the shaft each having a fixed part and a relatively adjustable part on a common sleeve about the shaft between the fixed parts, a second sleeve longitudinally movable but not rotatable on the shaft and having a projection engaging a spiral groove in the adjustable sleeve, and means under control of the operator for longitudinally moving the second sleeve.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

RENE ALGRIN.

Witnesses:

DoUMn (JAsALoNGA, EDWARD P. MAOLEAN. 

